Dog owners who don’t keep their pets on leads or who walk more than four at once are being targeted by a council.

As part of its continued effort to promote responsible dog ownership, Maidstone council is updating its Public Space Protection Order for dog control next month.

It will enable the council to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 to irresponsible dog owners.

The requirement to keep a dog on a lead will be extended to the town centre. Currently, this applies to only the grounds of Maidstone cemetery and crematorium

There will also be a new requirement for dog owners to limit the number of dogs they walk to four anywhere in the borough of Maidstone, unless they are a licensed dog boarder or registered to the council’s Professional Dog Walkers’ Scheme.

The council is also asking members of the public to report issues such as dog fouling, nuisance dogs, dog attacks, or dangerous dogs to the local authority or to the police.

Cabinet member for housing and health, Cllr Lottie Parfitt Reid, said: “We all love our furry friends, but we also need to respect the rights and safety of others.

“I would ask everyone who has a dog to be a responsible owner and follow the rules and regulations that apply to their dog...”

“Responsible dog ownership is an important element of having a dog and the council is introducing new measures to encourage everyone to ensure the safety of their pet and others.

“I would ask everyone who has a dog to be a responsible owner and follow the rules and regulations that apply to their dog.”

From October, it will remain an offence to allow your dog to wander or roam loose without a person accompanying it or to not keep a dog on a lead when requested by an authorised officer.

It is also an offence to take or allow a dog into council-owned play areas and tennis courts.

If people witness someone failing to pick up after their dog, they can report it to the council’s Community Protection Team online via the website: MBC Community Protection or by calling 01622 602162.

If you have any questions or concerns, please look at our website or email communityprotection@maidstone.gov.uk

Anyone who witnesses irresponsible dog owners can report this anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111.